Machines for applying simultaneous pressures to the bottom and heel breast of a shoe



March 19, 1963 A. MUHLBACH 3,081,469

MACHINES FOR APPLYING SIMULTANEOUS PRESSURES TO THE BOTTOM AND HEEL BREAST OF A SHOE Filed Dec. 3, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 In ijenior 0 Anton Mu/zlbach By his Azzor'ney QQ N Q 3 g March 19, 1963 Filed Dec. 3. 1958 A. MUHLBACH 3,081,469 MACHINES FOR APPLYING SIMULTANEOUS PRESSURES TO THE BOTTOM AND HEEL BREAST OF A SHOE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 19, 1963 A. MUHLBACH 3,081,469

MACHINES FOR APPLYING SIMULTANEOUS PRESSURES TO THE BOTTOM AND HEEL BREAST OF A SHOE Filed Dec. 5. 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 I W II--- J March 19, 1963 A. MUHLBACH MACHINES FOR APPLYING SIMULTANEOUS PRESSURES TO THE BOTTOM AND HEEL BREAST OF A SHOE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 3, 1958 March 19, 1963 A. MUHLBACH 3,081,469 MACHINES FOR APPLYING SIMULTANEOUS PRESSURES TO THE BOTTOM AND HEEL BREAST OF A SHOE Filed Dec. 3. 1958 s Sheets-Sheet 5 United States Patent ()fiice Patented Mar. 19, 1963 3,081,469 MACHINES FOR APPLYING SIMULTANEOUS PRESSURES TO THE BOTTOM AND HEEL BREAST OF A SHOE Anton Miihlbach, Frankfurt am Main, Nied, Germany,

assignor to United Shoe Machinery Corporation, Flemington, N.J., a corporation of New Jersey Filed Dec. 3, 1958, Ser. No. 777,979 Claims priority, application Germany Jan. 9, 1953 39 Claims. (Cl. 12--16.4)

This invention relates to machines and apparatus for laying or attaching outsoles to the bottoms of cement shoes and simultaneously for laying or attaching breast covering flaps to heels already mounted on the shoe bottoms, and, more particularly, to a simplified and improved machine containing pressure controlling apparatus, in which simultaneous pressures are applied to the bottom and heel breast of a shoe with a greater degree of accuracy and uniformity than heretofore, to prevent displacement or damage to the heel during operation of the machine.

In co-pending applications for United States Letters Patent, Serial No. 91,547, filed February 24, 1961, original filed September 24, 1958 (now Patent No. 3,055,027, granted September 25, 1962) in the name of Helge Gulbrandsen and Serial No. 785,405 filed January 7, 1959, in the name of William A. Barker, there are disclosed machines for performing operations similar to that performed by the machine of the present application. In the machine of the Gulbrandsen application, attaching pressure on the outsole is obtained by utilizing a hydraulic pressure operated piston carrying a pad box, by means of which a shoe is pressed against shoe engaging and holding devices, wherein the attaching pressures for the breast flap on the heel are obtained indirectly from the force of the hydraulic piston through lateral expansion of solid compressible members disposed between the pad and the shoe. In the machine of the Barker application the breast flap attaching pressures are obtained hydraulically to insure simultaneous and equal regulation along the breast and rearward surfaces of the heel on a shoe in opposite directions, the hydraulic pressure on the heel being controlled by the sole attaching pressure.

The object of the present invention is to provide a sole and heel breast flap attaching machine, in which the breast flap attaching pressure is obtained by a component of the pressure on a compressible pad element in the pad box and the force of the pad element on the heel breast is balanced by that of an external heel supporting member actuated and controlled at the same time as the pressure is applied to move the pad box toward the shoe engaging and holding devices in the frame. In this way-reliable and effective operation of the heel supporting member is obtained. Other objects of the invention are to provide a construction for a sole and heel breast flap attaching machine, which is quickly adaptable for use with both high and relatively low heels and in which differently constructed separate elements of a pressure pad for the sole and heel may'be replaced readily while insuring that operation of the external heel supporting member may be properly controlled for high heel shoes and may be rendered inoperative automatically with shoes having lower heels.

In accordance with these objects of the invention the illustrated machine consists of a main frame having the usual shoe-engaging and holding devices, a pad box being movable in the frame toward and from the holding devices and being equipped with a sole pad included in a base, to which is attached a main pressure applying means mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in which base there also is mounted a shoe shank element adjacent to the sole pad, the shank element being pivoted in the pad box base about an axis extending transversely to the shoe on the pad and through the shank element between the shank and heel of the shoe to transmit the pressure uniformly throughout the shank area on the shoe and the breast surface of the heel. Preferably, the shank pad element has projecting from it a pair of rolls engaging supporting surfaces in the pad box base inclined to the direction of pressure applied by the pressure applying means upwardly away from the breast of the shoe heel at such an angle that the shank element presses against the heel breast with a force approximately 20% of that exerted by the main pressure applying means. In this way the pressure applied to the heel is limited and is less likely to disturb the position of the heel on the shoe.

To prevent any possibility of heel displacement on the shoe as a result of pressure on the breast surface of the heel by the shank pad element, according to an important feature of the invention, a heel supporting pad carrier is pivotally mounted on the pad box base about an axis extending transversely of the shoe close to the rearward surface of the heel, so that when the supporting pad on the carrier engages the rearward surface of the heel it opposes the force of the shank element with pressures equal above and below the axis of pivotal mounting. Other features of the invention relate to the use of an auxiliary hydraulic pressure actuated rod in the carrier for moving the heel supporting pad against the rearward surface of the heel and for locking it in position during the sole pressing operation. Still other features relating to the adaptability of the machine for shoes of different styles consist in the use of replaceable shank pad elements, certain of which are provided with extensions for locking the heel supporting pad out of operation when shoes having relatively low heels are being operated upon.

These and other features of the invention, as hereinafter described and claimed, will readily be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view in sectional side elevation of the parts surrounding the pad box of a machine for'simultaneously attaching an integral outsole and breast flap on womens Louis heel shoes in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the heel end portion of the pad box of the machine illustrated in FIG. 1, certain parts having been broken away and shown in section;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pad box and its base as seen from the right of FIG. 1, but with a heel supporting pad carrier removed;

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the heel supporting pad and its mounting on the carrier;

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view on a slightly enlarged scale, indicating the manner of operation upon a relatively low Cuban heel shoe, a shank pad element having been introduced'into the pad box base and having a suitable contour for this purpose;

FIG. 6 is a partial end sectional view of the Cuban heel shank pad element illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a detail sectional View of the parts of the Cuban heel shank pad element of FIG. 6, illustrating the manner in which a heel support lock-out switch. is actuated by the introduction of the Cuban heel shank pad element; and

FIG. 8 is a combined electrical and hydraulic diagram of the actuating and controlling circuits in the machine.

The machine illustrated in the drawings is intended for operation upon a cement shoe, to the bottom of which there is already attached a'Louis or other type high heel.

A Louis heel shoe is shown in dot-dash lines in FIG. l

-the shoe as in the Gulbrandsen patent.

' 3 at with a heel 12 temporarily attached to the heel seat portion of the shoe bottom. To complete the shoe assembly before introduction into the machine the shoe bottom has applied to it a sole 14, the rearward end of which is reduced in thickness to form a breast flap for the Louis type heel 12. During operation of the machine the sole 14 is pressed into intimate contact with cement on both the sole and the shoe bottom and the flap and outsole are secured against the shoe bottom and breast of the heel with simultaneous pressures, thus giving a smooth continuous bond throughout combined areas of the sole and flap.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the machine is provided with a composite pad secured by a marginal plate 16 similar to those disclosed in United States Letters Patent No. 2,568,065, granted September 18, 1951, upon application of Helge Gulbrandsen. The pad consists of an upper solid resilient forepart sole engaging pad in the form of a layer 18 and a series of similar lower pad layers 20 all formed of solid rubber of low durometer (17-27) extending substantially to the ball line of a shoe being operated upon instead of extending beyond the heel of Displacement of the pad layers in the direction of the shoe heel is prevented by two angular members 22 at the rearward ,corners of the pad layers, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The pad layers are supported in a forepart pad box 24 to which the angular members 22 are attached.

The pad box 24 is adjustably mounted within a base comprising a pair of vertical base plates 26 and 28, which in turn are secured to the upper end of a main plunger type piston 30 operating to apply pressure through the pad box to the shoe. The piston is mounted for vertical movement in an upright hydraulic cylinder 32 forming a part of a main base or frame in the machine. When hydraulic pressure is introduced into the cylinder 32 the piston for the pad raises the shoe into engagement with adjustably located stop posts comprising toe and heel engaging members 34 and 36, thus stopping upward movement of the lasted shoe and compressing its bottom surface against the pad.

To apply a heightwise pressure against the shank of the shoe and simultaneously against the breast of the heel 12, so as to force the breast flap of the sole 14 into intimate engagement therewith, there is mounted in the base, in accordance with a feature of the present invention, a solid shank pad element 38 located adjacent to the rearward end of the sole forepart pad and pivoted in the base about an axis 40 extending transversely to a shoe on the pad and through the shank pad element, which is constructed to fit between the shank and heel of the shoe. This pressure is transmitted uniformly throughout the shank area of the shoe and along the breast surface of the heel 12.

The pivot axis 40 of the shank pad element 38 is defined by the center of a pair of laterally projecting bosses -42 carriedby the side walls of an integral casing 44 surrounding the shank pad element 38 along its side and raise or lower the shank pad element 38 through the use of adjusting screws 56 or 58 threaded into the arms and secured in place by lock nuts. Headed ends on the adjusting screws 56 are arranged to engage a triangular strip 60 (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) clamped by a pair of cap screws 62 (see also FIG. 3) to a rearwardly projecting flap 63 pivoted to the rearward end of the pad box 24.

element 38 free for limited pivotal movement.

The adjusting screws 58 are arranged to be brought into engagement with a cross bar 64 bolted between the base plates 26 and 28. The arrangement is such that as a shoe is pressed by the forepart pad and shank element there may be slight relative movement between the shoe and parts of the pad as the parts are compressed against the shoe. Also, there are alternate adjustments afforded by the screws 56 with the strip 60 on the one hand and the screws 58 with the cross bar 64 on the other hand.

To assist in proper distribution of pressure between the shank of the shoe and the breast of the heel in the illustrated machine, the surface 48 on each arm 50 is inclined downwardly toward the breast of the heel on the shoe operated upon. The inclination of the surface is a little less than 20 from the horizontal, so that the component of pressure produced by the piston 30 on the heel .breast is approximately 20 percent of that exerted on the shank pad element directly. Thus, assuming that the total force produced by the piston 30 on the shank element is represented by the dot-dash vertical line 66 in FIG. 1 and it takes the direction of that line, the angle 68 being that corresponding to the inclination of the surface 48, then the component dot-dash line 70 will represent the force applied by the shank pad element to the breast of the heel.

To adjust the angular position of the sole pad layers the forepart pad box 24 has two downwardly projecting ribs engaging a cross bar 72 between the side plates 26 and 28 and a pin 74 forms the hinge of the pivotal mounting for the flap 63, which pin passes through the rearward end of the forepart pad box. The hinge pin 74 also passes at its ends through arcuate slots 76 in the base plates 26 and 28 and is secured from vertical movement by adjusting devices similar to those disclosed in the Gulbrandsen patent above referred to. The free end of the .flap 63 opposite the hinge pin 74 rests on cam members 78 adjustably mounted on the cross bar 64 by means of screws, one of which is indicated in FIGS. 1 and 5 at 79. By this construction the pad box and the flap 63 are ad justably secured in the base while leaving the shank pad The pad box 24 and the flap 63 are capable of being shifted vertically to suitable angularly adjusted positions in accordance with the curvature of the shoe to be operated upon, so that the layers comprising the pad may be conformed with the forepart portion of the outsole 14, as more clearly disclosed in Patent No. 2,568,065. To provide a smooth outer surface for the forepart pad and to cover the junction between the forepart and shank pads a leather strip 89 is laid over the two and is carried around the curvature of the shank pad element into conformity with the surface of the heel breast.

To offset the pressure of the shank pad element 38 on the heel and to prevent displacement or distortion of the heel 12, according to this feature of the invention, a solid rubber heel back supporting pad 82 is arranged to engage the rearward surface of the heel 12 on the shoe and is pivotally mounted to swing about an axis extending transversely of the shoe close to the rearward heel surface, thus enabling the opposing forces applied to the heel by the pad 82 to be balanced along the length of the heel above and below the pivot axis. For this purpose the pad 82 is enclosed in a retainer casing 84 having rearwardly extending flanges with inturned lips 85 surrounding two sets of rolls 86 and 88 rotatable on pins 90 and 92 secured in a block 94. The lips on the retainer casing flanges form grooves with the main portion of the casing which arre guided by the rolls for movement relatively to the rolls in a direction longitudinally of the heel of the shoe on the pad. In other words when the piston 30 raises the shoe on the sole pad the shoe rises until it engages the members 34 and 36, after which the rolls 86 and 88 move relatively to the casing 84 of the heel supporting pad 82 as the shoe is pressed into the pad layers in the pad box 24. The heel back pad is thus carried by the main piston 30. The block 94 comprises a head fixedly secured to the forward end of a rod 96 movable toward and from the rearward surface of the heel 12. The rod 96 is slidingly mounted in a secondary or auxiliary hydraulic pressure applying cylinder 98 forming a carrier for the rod 96 and terminating at its forward end in a pair of spaced arms 99 through which passes a pair of alined pins 100 secured in the base plates 26 and 28 (see FIG. 2). The secondary cylinder and plunger also are carried by the main piston 30, so as to move with it. The axis of the pins 100 as indicated at 102 in FIG. 1 extends close to the rearward surface of the shoe heel 12. By locating the axis of the pivots close to the heel, the supporting forces of the pad 82 oppose the force of the shank element on the heel with equal pressures above and below the axis of the pivotal mounting.

For moving the heel supporting pad 82 toward the heel to support it and away from the heel to release the shoe after an operation of the machine, the rearward end of the rod 96 has secured to it, by means of a screw 104, a plunger 106 within the cylinder 98. Upon the entry of hydraulic fluid into the cylinder the pad 82 is moved horizontally into engagement with the shoe. Upon release of the hydraulic fluid the pad moves away from the shoe under the influence of a spring 108 stretched between a pin 110 at the rearward end of the cylinder and the block 94 at the forward end of the rod 96. To prevent rotation of the pad 82 about the axis of the rod 96, the cylinder has an upwardly extending perforated lug through which passes a guide pin 112 fixed at its forward end in the block 94.

During the operation of the machine as the shoe is raised toward the toe and heel engaging members 34 and 36, the pad 82 is moved by the plunger 106 against the rearward surface of the heel to clamp the shoe temporarily in position on the forepart pad. As soon as the heel supporting pad 82 engages the heel a valve is closed in a supply line for hydraulic fluid to the cylinder 98, locking the pad in engagement with the heel. Thereafter, the shoe is brought into engagement with the toe and heel engaging members 34 and 36 and the operation is completed.

To prevent the rearward surface of the heel from becoming abraded as a result of relative movement between the shoe and the sole pad 18 and shank pad elements, the supporting pad 82 is free to move along the rolls 86 and 88. Thus, the retainer casing 84 becomes a vertical slide on the rolls 86 and 8-8, acting as a guideway. As soon as the shoe is moved away from the toe and heel engaging members 34 and 36 the pad 82 is moved rearwardly away from the heel and is left free to return upwardly to its original position relatively to the guideway rolls 86 and 88, eventually coming to rest in engagement with an abutment roll 114 rotatably mounted on a pin v116 secured in a bracket 118 attached to the upper end of the block 94. To move the heel supporting pad slide upwardly along the rolls 86 and 88 tension springs 120 are stretched between pins 122 carried by rearwardly projecting ears on the casing 84 and pins 124 on the guideway block 94.

When the machine is not operating the rearward end of the cylinder 98 is temporarily supported yieldingly in position by the engagement of a downwardly extending finger on the cylinder with a leaf spring 126 made fast by a screw 128 to a cross bar 130. The cross bar 130 is bolted to the lower ends of a pair of vertical straps 132 made fast to the base plates 26 and 28 by the reduced portions of the studs 52 and along their mid portions by bolts 134 passing through the base plates and the straps. At their upper ends the straps 132 have secured to them a guard plate 136 overlying the block 94 and the guide pin 112 for the piston rod 96. 7

It will be noted that by reason of the direction of movement for the piston rod 96, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the pressure of the pad 82 after clamping the heel of a shoe, will tend to swing the forepart of the shoe downwardly against the sole attaching pad, the action being to swing the shoe about the axis 40 of the shank pad element 38. To restrain the swinging movement of the shank pad element as the heel supporting pad 82 engages the shoe, the retainer casing 44 has along its rearward surface two recesses within which fit spaced arms of a spring pressed three-armed lever 138. The lever 138 is fulcrumed on a spindle 140' fastened at its ends within the side plates 26 and 28 of the base and a downwardly extending arm of a lever is slotted to surround a threaded rod 142 carrying a pair of check nuts 144 and passing through a compression spring 146 disposed between the downwardly extending arm of the lever 138 and the cross bar 64 into which the rod 142 is threaded; The arrangement of the spring 146 is such that the lower end of the shank pad element is rotated yieldingly toward the pad box 24.

To enable the heel supporting pad 82 to be locked in engagement with the heel 12 of a shoe the grooves formed by the lips on the rearwardly extending flanges of the casing 84 are of uniform widths throughout their lengths but the upper rolls *86 are of smaller diameter than the lower rolls 88, as shown in FIG. 4, to form a loose fit so that the casing 84 may swing about the lower rolls 88 while moving relatively to the upper rolls 86, the reduced diameter of the rolls 86 providing a lost motion connection for the pad 82 on the block 9 4 which is attached to the rod 96. By reason of the manner in which the springs 120 are connected with the casing 84 the forces of the springs move the upper end of the casing forwardly toward the shoe heel to hold the retainer at the end of its lost motion closest to the shoe heel until engagement of the heel occurs. As soon as engagement of the pad 82 with the shoe heel occurs, the lost motion between the casing and the rolls 86 is taken up, forcing the casing rearwardly. One of the lips on the flanges of the casing is then brought into engagement with a button on a control microswitch 148 mounted in an enclosure 150 attached to the bracket 1'18. Pressure on the pad 82 thus causes it to actuate the microswitch 148.

A circuit connected with the microswitch then closes a valve to the cylinder 98, locking the supporting pad 82 in-en'gag'ement with the heel 12.

The connections between the microswitch 148 and the cylinder 93 include a hydraulic and electrical system disclosed more fully in United States Letters Patent No. 2,716,766, granted September 6, 1955, upon an application of Helge Gulbrandsen. This system is intended to be appliedto a two-station machine, but in FIG. 8 of the present drawings the system is illustrated with a single station only, the elements of the system for the other station being duplicates of those for the one illustrated. The elements of the system of FIG. 8 are in the positions they assume with the machine at rest but with the fluid pressure available for operation as soon asa shoe is introduced to the pressing pad.

Briefly, the pad in the box 24 and its supporting base are carried upwardly toward the toe and heel engaging members 34 and 36 to apply pressure to a shoe bottom by the main piston 30 and a smaller piston 152 movable in a cylinder 15'4 inside the cylinder 32, the smaller piston having applied to it a low fluid pressure for moving the pad box upwardly at a high rate of speed until the shoe engages the toe and heel members, and the main piston applying a relatively heavy pressure to "the shoe bottom thereafter to cause a squeeze on the shoe parts while moving at a low rate of speed.

As shown in FIG. 8, a three-phase source of alternating current power 156 is provided and is connected through 170 to a cylinder control valve 172 and through a branch pipe 174 to a solenoid valve 176. When the motor 164 is started the solenoid valve 176 is energized through a wire 178 connected to the wire 160 and a wire 180 connected to a contact engaged by a snap actuated switch varm 182 on an electrically operated timer having an actuating coil 184, the timer controlling the duration of the period in which pressure is applied to the shoe. While the machine is inoperative in the solid line position of the switch arm 182 it is disengaged from the contact connected with the wire 180, so that when the solenoid valve 176 is in the position shown fluid pressure is transmitted through the branch pipe 174, through the valve 176, and through a pipe 186 to the upper part of the cylinder valve 172. Fluid pressure in the pipe 186 forces the inner body of the cylinder valve downwardly to expose a vent 188 exhausting into the reservoir tank 168, thus preventing a build-up of pressure in a pipe 190 connected to the small cylinder 154, and closing the pipe 170 against flow of fluid into the cylinder valve. While the machine is inoperative, the flow of fluid into the main cylinder 32 also is prevented by a pressure-controlled valve member 192 movable in a chamber 194 beneath the cylinder 154. The valve 192 has a stem projecting upwardly through a plate 196, separating the chamber 194 from the cylinder 154. The arrangement is such that the valve 192 is forced downwardly against the action of a spring 198 when the fluid pressure in the cylinder 154 reaches a predetermined value. In the position of the valve 192 shown, the main cylinder 32 is connected with a vent 200 running to the reservoir tank 168. When moved downwardly, the valve 192 closes the vent 200 and opens a port 202 into the cylinder 32 so that fluid under pressure may flow through a pipe 204 connected with the chamber 194 and into the cylinder 32. This, however, does not occur while the machine is inoperative and there is no pressure in the cylinder 154.

After a shoe has been applied to the pressing pad, a treadle (not shown) is depressed, closing a station switch 206 which causes the coil 184 of the timer to be energized. The switch arm is then moved to the broken line position, closing the circuit through the solenoid valve 17 6 and shifting the valve from the position shown to a lowered position. Downward movement of the valve 176 closes the branch pipe 174 and enables the pressure in the pipe 186 to be exhausted through a vent 208 to the reservoir tank 168. The cylinder valve 172 is then permitted to rise from the position shown, closing the vent 188 and opening a connection with the pipe 170. Fluid under pressure then flows through the pipe 190 into the cylinder 154, causing the piston 152 to rise and the shoe on the pad to be brought into engagement with the toe and heel members 34 and 36. As soon as the shoe engages the toe and heel members, the pressure in the cylinder 154 increases sufficiently to shift the valve 192 downwardly. Shift of the valve 192 downwardly opens the port 202 and permits flow of fluid into the main cylinder 32 from the pipe 204 under an auxiliary pressure controlled by a high fluid pressure regulating valve 210 connected through a branch pipe 214, as described in Patent No. 2,716,766. When the pressure of the fluid in the pipe 204 attains a predetermined high value a low pressure relief valve 212 operates which is connected through the high pressure valve 210 and a pipe 216 with the pipe 204 connecting the valve chamber 194. The maximum pressure applied to the shoe is retained until the switch arm 182 on the timer is actuated from the broken-line position to the full-line position, disconnecting the coil of the solenoid valve 176, terminating the pressure in the cylinder 23, and enabling the parts to be returned to their inoperative positions. It will be understood that branch pipes 218 and 220 are connected to the second station of the machine which operates in the same manner as the station just described.

T o actuate the heel supporting pad 82 of the illustrative machine the cylinder 98 is connected at its rearward end with a flexible tubing or hose 222 also connected to the hydraulic system which activates the first piston with a normally closed solenoid valve 224, the body of which is retained in closed position by a spring 226. The body of valve 224 is actuated to open position by a solenoid 228, one terminal of which is connected to the microswitch 148. The microswitch 148 is of the normally closed type, so that so long as the microswitch is not engaged with the casing 84 of the pad, the valve 224 is open for fluid flow. Also connected with the valve is a pipe 230 forming a branch from the pipe 190, so that pressure will be applied to the piston 106 in the cylinder 98 simultaneous with the application of pressure to the pad raising cylinders 32 and 154. The circuit to the solenoid valve coil 228 is energized through wires 232 and 234 connected across the wires 159 and 160. At the end of an operation on a shoe the control valve 172 cuts off the flow of fluid to the pipe and the pipe 230 by returning to the position shown in FIG. 8, where all pressure is relieved in the main pad actuating cylinder through the return pipe 188.

The supporting pad 82 is brought into engagement with the shoe heel before the shoe is engaged with the toe and heel members 34 and 36. When this occurs the microswitch 148 opens the circuit to the solenoid valve 224, causing the valve to be closed and the pad to be locked in position. The valve 224 remains in closed position until the pressure begins to increase in the pad raising cylinder 154. As soon as the control microswitch 148 opens the circuit, the shoe is compressed somewhat into the forepart pad, causing the guide rolls 86 and 88 to move upwardly and rearwardly of the shoe along the heel supporting ad 82 until they reach positions just above that shown in FIG. 1, in which the button on the microswitch 148 moves above the rearward surface of the pad casing 84. The microswitch then closes, energizing the solenoid 228 and re-opening the valve 224. Additional pressure is introduced into the cylinder 98 by the opening of the valve 224 to compensate with further forward movement of the plunger 106, the rearward pressure on the heel breast produced by the shank pad 38, the pressure in the cylinder 98 increasing proportionately with the increase of pressure on the heel by the shank pad. In this way displacement of the heel from the shoe bottom is avoided. At the end of the machine operating cycle the control valve 172 releases the pressure in both the main cylinder and the heel supporting pad cylinder 98, enabling the main shoe pressing pad to be lowered and the heel supporting pad to be moved rearwardly with the piston rod 96 and upwardly with the casing 84 under the influence of the spring 120.

The illustrated machine is designed for convenient operation alternatively on high-heeled or low-heeled shoe bottoms. If shoes designed for relatively low or Cuban heels not yet attached, as indicated at 236, in FIG. 5, are to be operated upon, it is necessary to remove the shank pad 38 and its enclosing casing 44 merely by lifting the pad to disengage the rolls 46 from the surfaces 48 on the arms 50. The pad 38 is then replaced with a pad of somewhat dififerent configuration, such as that indicated at 238 in FIG. 5. This pad 238 is mounted in a casing 240 provided with laterally projecting ears surrounding the ends of the arms on the cylinder 98. The casing of the pad 238 is of reduced width to clear the arms of lever 138. As with the shank pad 38 it is possible to make adjustments of all of the parts of the pad box and casings to conform with the curvature of the bottom of the shoe 236. However, the heel supporting pad 82 must be kept from its heel pressing movement when no heel is attached to the shoe being operated upon.

In order to make it unnecessary for the operator to make further mechanical changes in the construction and operation of the machine, a projecting portion of the casing 240 for the pad 238 is formed with an enlargement 242, shown most clearly in FIG. 7. When the pad 238 is introduced into the pad box base between the side plates 26 and 28, the enlargement 242 slides along a surface of a leaf spring 244 secured to the adjacent base plate 28 at its upper end and is provided with a pin 246 attached to its lower end which enters an opening 248 in the base plate 28. At the opposite side of the base plate 28 from the spring 244 is a lock-out microswitch 250 of the normally closed circuit type mounted in a housing 252 secured to the side plate. When the enlargement on the heel pad casing 24%) engages the spring 244, the pin 246 opens the circuit through the microswitch and prevents energization of the solenoid valve 224. Upon removal of the pad 23-8 and its housing 240 the machine may again be utilized for operation on shoes having Louis heels already attached without requiring other than routine adjustments by the operator, the microswitch 250 then holding the circuit closed for actuating the heel supporting pad in the manner previously described.

The connections for the microswitch 250 are indicated in FIG. 8 as including wires 254 and 256 connecting the coil 228 with the wire 232. In this way the microswitch 250, so long as it remains inactive and closed, enables the solenoid valve 224 capable of locking the heel supporting pad whenever the microswitch 148 is actuated.

The nature and scope of the invention having been indicated and a particular embodiment having been described, what is claimed is:

1. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with a shank pad element adjacent to the sole pad in the base andpivoted in the base about an axis extending transversely to a shoe on. the pad and through the shank element between the shank and heel of the shoe to transmit pressure uniformly throughout the shank area of the shoe and along the breast surface of the heel,

2. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with a shank pad element adjacent to the soie pad in the base, a pair of coaxial rolls projecting from the shank pad element with their axisrextending transversely of a shoe on the pad and through the shank ele ment between the shank and breast of the shoe heel, and supporting means for the roll having a surface inclined to the direction of pressure applied by the pre sure applying means downwardly toward the breast of the heel on the shoe at such angle that the shank element presses against the heel breast with a force approximately of that exerted by the rnain pressure applying means. i

3. A machine for applying pressure toa high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the-breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame anda pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means-to which the pad box base is atached mounted for movement toward and from the-holding devices, in combination with a shank pad element adjacent to the sole pad in the base, a pair of coaxial rollsprojecting from the shank pad element with their axis extending transversely of a shoe on the pad and through the shank element between the shank and breast of the shoe. heel,

supporting means for the roll having a surface inclined to the direction of pressure applied by the pressure applying means downwardly toward the breast of the heel on the shoe at such angle that the shank element presses against the heel breast with a force approximately 20% of that exerted by the main pressure applying means, and means for adjusting the roll supporting means comprising screws threaded into said supporting means and movable toward and from portions of the base and portions of the pad box, respectively.

4. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with a shank pad element adjacent to the sole pad in the base and pivoted in the base about an axis extending transversely to a shoe on the pad and through the shank element between the shank and heel of the shoe to transmit pressure uniformly throughout the shank area of the shoe and along the breast surface of the heel, and a heel supporting pad engaging the rearward surface of the heel 'on the shoe and being pivotally mounted on the base about an axis extending transversely of the shoe to oppose the force of the shank element against the face of the heel breast.

5. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination wtih a shank pad element adjacent to the sole pad in the base, a pair of coaxial rolls projecting from the shank pad element with their axis extending transversely of a shoe on the pad and through the shank element between the shank and breast of the shoe heel, and arms pivotally mounted in the base having surfaces along which the rolls are supported, said surfaces being inclined to the direction of pressure applied by the pressure applying means away from the breast of the heel on the shoe at such an angle that the shank element presses against the heel breast with a force approximately 20% of that exerted by the main pressure applying means.

6. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box. a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with a shank pad element adjacent to the sole pad in the base, a pair of coaxial rolls projecting from the shank pad element with their axis extending transversely of a shoe on the pad and through the shank element between the shank and breast of the shoe heel, supporting means for the rolls having a surface engaged thereby, and means for restraining rotation of the shank element about the axis of the rolls comprising a spring pressed lever fulcrumed in the base.

7. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneouslv to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box. a base for the pad box,.a sole' pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding de vices, in combination with a shank pad element adjacent to the sole pad in the base, a pair of coaxial rolls projecting from the shank pad element with their axis extending transversely of a shoe on the pad and through the shank element between the shank and breast of the shoe heel, supporting means for the rolls having a surface engaged thereby, and a lever fulcrumed for yielding movement in the base and engaged with the shank element to rotate the shank element toward the pad box.

8. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with a shank pad element adjacent to the sole pad in the base and pivoted in the base about an axis extending transversely to a shoe on the pad and through the shank element between the shank and heel of the shoe to transmit pressure uniformly throughout the shank area of the shoe and along the breast surface of the heel, a heel supporting pad engaging the rearward surface of the heel on a shoe to oppose the force of the shank element against the face of the heel breast, and a slide mounted on the base for movement longitudinally of the heel of the shoe in which slide the heel supporting pad is secured.

9. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with a rod mounted in the base for movement toward and from the rearward surface of the heel of a shoe on the pad, a block on the rod extending longitudinally of the shoe heel, guide rolls on the block, a grooved retainer surrounding the rolls on the block, and a heel supporting pad in the retainer for engaging the rearward surface of the shoe heel when the rod ismoved toward the heel to enable the heel supporting pad to move relatively to the rolls when the shoe is subjected to the force of the pressure applying means.

10. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with a rod mounted in the base for movement toward and from the rearward surface of the heel of a shoe on the pad, a block on the rod extending longitudinally of the shoe heel, guide rolls on the block, a grooved retainer surrounding the rolls on the block, a heel supporting pad in the retainer for engaging the rearward surface of the shoe heel when the rod is moved toward the heel to enable the heel supporting pad to move relatively to the roll-s when the shoe is subjected to the force of the pressure applying means, said rolls being formed with a loose fit in the groove of said retainer to provide a lost motion connection between the block and the heel pad retainer, and a microswitch mounted on the block in a position to be actuated by the retainer as the lost motion is taken out of the connect-ion between the retainer and the block.

11. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoeengaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad,

and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with a rod mounted in the base for movement toward and from the rearward surface of the heel of a shoe on the pad, a block On the rod extending longitudinally of the shoe heel, guide rolls on the block, a grooved retainer surrounding the rolls on the block, a heel supporting pad in the retainer for engaging the rearward surface of the shoe heel when the rod is moved toward the heel to enable the heel-supporting pad to move relatively to the rolls when the shoe is subjected to the force of the pressure applying means, said rolls being formed with a loose fit in the groove of said retainer to provide a lost motion connection between the block and the heel pad retainer, a microswitch mounted on the block in a position to be actuated by the retainer as the lost motion is taken out of the connection between the retainer and the block, a plunger on said rod, a hydraulic cylinder surrounding the plunger, hydraulic pressure means connected to the cylinder and a valve actuated by the microswitch to stop the hydraulic flow from the hydraulic means to the cylinder when the heel pad engages the shoe heel.

12. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with a rod mounted in the base for movement toward and from the rearward surface of the heel of a shoe on the pad, a block in the rod extending longitudinally of the shoe heel, guide rolls on the block, a grooved retainer surrounding the rolls on the block, a heel supporting pad in the retainer for engaging the rearward surface of the shoe heel when the rod is moved toward the heel to enable the heel supporting pad to move relatively along the rolls when the shoe is subjected to the force of the pressure applying means, said rolls being formed with a loose fit to provide a lost motion connection between the block and the heel pad retainer, and a spring for holding the pad retainer at the end of its lost motion closest to the shoe heel.

13. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with a rod mounted in the pad box base for movement toward and from the rearward surface of the heel of a shoe on the sole pad, a heel supporting pad mounted on the rod, a plunger on the rod, a hydraulic cylinder surrounding the plunger, a source of hydraulic pressure connected to the cylinder, a solenoid valve between the hydraulic source and the cylinder, and a switch actuated by the heel supporting pad as it engages the rearward surface of the shoe heel to close the solenoid valve.

14. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, a source of hydraulic pressure connected to the cylinder, and a timer for terminating the period of pressure applied by said means, in combination with a rod mounted in the pad box base for movement toward and from the rearward surface of the heel of a shoe on the sole pad, a heel supporting pad mounted on the rod, a plunger on the rod, a hydraulic cylinder surrounding the plunger, a solenoid valve between the hydraulic source and the cylinder, a switch actuated by the heel supporting pad as it engages the rearward surface of the shoe heel to close the solenoid valve and as the supporting pad disengages the heel to open the solenoid valve, and a spring for retracting the rod after the hydraulic pressure on the plunger has been cut off by the valve and the pressure on the pressure applying means has been terminated to release the shoe from engagement by the heel supporting pad.

15. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with a removable shank element adjacent to the sole pad in the pad box base and an auxiliary hydraulic pressure applying means in the base mounted for movement toward engagement with the heel of the shoe as the main pressure applying means acts to press the shoe against the pad in the box, a solenoid valve for controlling the auxiliary pressure applying means and a microswitch for closing the solenoid valve whenever a shank element shaped to receive a relatively low heeled shoe is mounted in the base.

16. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom or alternatively to the bottom only of a low heeled shoe, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with a removable shank element for a low heeled shoe adjacent to the sole pad in the pad box base and an auxiliary hydraulic pressure applying means in the base mounted for movement toward engagement with the heel of that shoe as the main pressure applying means acts to press the shoe against the pad in the box, a solenoid valve for controlling the auxiliary pressure applying means and a microswitch for closing the solenoid valve whenever a shank element shaped to receive the relatively low heeled shoe is mounted in the base, said shank element for the relatively low heeled shoe having an enlargement for actuating the valve closing microswitch. i

17. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bot-tom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with a shank pad element releasably mounted in the pad box base adjacent to the sole pad for applying pressure to the breast of the heel on a shoe, a heel supporting pad toropposing the force of the shank element against the heel breast, hydraulic means for moving the supporting pad toward and from the shoe heel and electrical means in the pad box base for rendering the hydraulic means inoperative when the shank pad is replaced in the pad box base by a second pad shaped to fit a heel seat on a shoe without a heel attached to the shoe bottom.

18. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom or alternatively to the hottom of a low heeled shoe, said machine having a frame and .a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad b'ox base is at tached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with a shank pad element a low heeled shoe releasably mounted in the pad box base adjacent to the sole pad for applying pressure to the breast of the heel on that shoe, a heel supporting pad for opposing the force of the shank element against the heel breast of a high heeled shoe, hydraulic means for moving the supporting pad toward and from the heel of the high heeled shoe and electrical means in the pad box base for rendering the hydraulic means inoperative when the said shank pad is inserted in the pad box base, said electrical means comprising a solenoid valve for controlling the hydraulic means, a microswitch on the base for the pad box, connected to the solenoid valve and an enlargement on the pad arranged when being inserted in the base to actuate the microswitch.

19. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box 'for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is at tached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with, a shank pad element adjacent to the sole pad in the base for applying pressure to the breast on the heel of a shoe on the sole pad and a heel supporting pad for opposing the pressure of the shank element by engaging the rearward surface of the heel, means for moving the supporting pad toward and from the heel, a slide mounted on the supporting pad toward and from the heel, a slide mounted on the supporting pad moving means for movement longitudinally of the shoe heel under the force of the main pressure applying means and a microswitch mounted on the heel sup porting pad moving means for engagement with the slide when the supporting pad engages the heel and connected to stop the movement of the supporting pad moving means when the microswitch is engaged with the slide.

20. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with a shank pad element adjacent to the sole pad in the base for applying pressure to the breast on the heel of a shoe on the sole pad and a heel supporting pad for opposing the pressure of the shank element by engaging the rearward surface of the heel, means for moving the supporting pad toward and from the heel, a slide mounted on the supporting pad moving means for movement relatively to the pad moving means in a direction longitudinal to the shoe heel under the force of the main pressure applying means and a microswitch mounted on the heel supporting pad moving means for engagement with the slide when the supporting pad engages the heel and connected to stop movement of the supporting pad moving means when the microswitch is engaged with the slide, said microswitch being so located that it becomes disengaged from the slide when the slide is actuated relatively to the pad moving means by the main pressure applying means to cause additional opposing pressure to be applied to the heel by the heel supporting pad.

21. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bottom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted opposite the pad, and main pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with a shank pad element adjacent to the sole pad in the base to transmit pressure to the shank area of the shoe and along the breast surface of the heel, a heel supporting pad to oppose the force of the shank element against the face of the heel breast, and fluid means for moving the heel supporting pad toward and from the rearward surface of the shoe heel.

22. A machine for applying pressure to a high heel shoe bottom and simultaneously to the breast of a heel attached to the shoe bottom, said machine having a frame and a pad box, a base for the pad box movable in the frame, a sole pad in the box for receiving the shoe bot tom, shoe-engaging and holding devices mounted in the frame opposite the pad, and main fluid actuated pressure applying means to which the pad box base is attached mounted for movement toward and from the holding devices, in combination with a shank pad element adjacent to the sole pad in the base to transmit pressure to the shank area of the shoe and along the breast surface of the heel, a heel supporting pad to oppose the force of the shank element against the face of the heel breast, second fluid means for moving the heel supporting pad toward and from the rearward surface of the shoe heel, a hydraulic valve for controlling the second hydraulic means, a

flexible tubing connected between the second fluid means and the valve and a source of hydraulic pressure for actuating at the same time the main pressure applying means and the second fluid means.

23. A shoe machine comprising a first fluid actuator of the cylinder and piston type to exert a pressure between the sole and upper of a lasted shoe in a direction generally perpendicular to the sole, a second fluid actuator of the cylinder and piston type to exert pressure between the heel breast flap and the heel of said shoe in a direction generally parallel to the sole of the shoe, and means to apply pressure fluid simultaneously to both actuators.

24. A shoe machine for simultaneously laying a sole and a heel breast flap, said machine comprising a first hydraulic actuator to exert a pressure between the sole and upper of a lasted shoe in a direction generally perpendicular to the sole, a second hydraulic actuator to exert pressure between the heel breast flap and the heel of said shoe in a direction generally parallel to the sole of the shoe, means to apply hydraulic fluid simultaneously to both actuators, and means to adjust the movement of one actuator relative to the other.

25. A shoe machine comprising a yieldable sole and heel breast pad shaped to fit in the space in front of the heel as well as beneath the sole, a yieldable heel back pad shaped to fit behind the heel, a first fluid actuator to carry both pads and toexert a pressure against a lasted shoe in a direction generally perpendicular to the sole, a second fluid actuator connected to the heel back pad to exert a pressure in a direction generally parallel to the sole, and means to apply pressure fluid simultaneously to both actuators.

26. A shoe machine for simultaneously laying a sole and heel breast flap, said machine comprising a yieldable sole and heel breast pad shaped to fit in the space in front of the heel as well as beneath the sole, a yieldable heel back pad shaped to fit behind the heel, a first hydraulic actuator to carry both pads and to exert a pressure against a lasted shoe in a direction generally perpendicular to the sole, a second hydraulic actuator connected to the heel back pad to exert a pressure in a direction generally parallel to the sole, means to apply hydraulic fluid simultaneously to both actuators, and means to adjust the movement of one actuator relative to the other.

27. A shoe machine comprising a stationary base, a stationary head mounted over said base, an upright hydraulic cylinder in the base, a plunger in said cylinder, a sole and heel breast pad carried by the plunger for movement toward the head, adjustably located stop posts on the head to arrest the upward movement of a lastcd shoe resting on the pad, a heel back pad also carried by the plunger for movement toward the head but being horizontally movable toward or away from the first pad, a second hydraulic cylinder and plunger bodily carried by the first plunger and arranged to move the heel back pad horizontally, and means including a flexible hose connected to the second cylinder to apply hydraulic pressure simultaneously to both cylinders.

28. A shoe machine comprising a first fluid actuator of the cylinder and piston type to exert a pressure between the sole and upper of a lasted shoe in a direction generally perpendicular to the sole, a second fluid actuator of the cylinder and piston type to exert pressure between the heel breast flap and the heel of said shoe in a direction generally parallel to the sole of the shoe, means to initially apply low pressure fluid simultaneously to both actuators for rapid motion with little force, and means effective thereafter to raise the fluid pressure to cause a high pressure squeeze by both actuators.

29. A shoe machine comprising a stationary base, a stationary head mounted over said base, an upright hydraulic cylinder in the base, a plunger in said cylinder, a sole and heel breast pad carried by the, plunger for movement toward the head, adjustably located stop posts on the head to arrest the upward movement of a lasted shoe resting on the pad, a heel back pad also carried by the plunger for movement toward the head but being horizontally movable toward or away from the first pad, a second hydraulic cylinder and plunger bodily carried by the first plunger and arranged to move the heel back pad horizontally, means including a flexible hose connected to the second cylinder to initially apply low hydraulic pressure simultaneously to both cylinders for rapid motion with little force, and means effective thereafter to raise the hydraulic pressure to cause a high pressure squeeze by both actuators.

30. A shoe machine comprising a yieldable sole and heel breast pad shaped to fit in the space in front of the heel as well as beneath the sole, a yieldable heel back pad shaped to fit behind the heel, a first fluid actuator to carry both pads and to exert a pressure against a lastcd shoe in a direction generally perpendicular to the sole, a second fluid actuator connected to the heel back pad to exert a pressure in a direction generally parallel to the sole, means to initially apply low pressure fluid simultaneously to both actuators for rapid motion with little force, and means effective thereafter to raise the fluid pressure to cause a high pressure squeeze by both actuators.

No references cited. 

1. A MACHINE FOR APPLYING PRESSURE TO A HIGH HEEL SHOE BOTTOM AND SIMULTANEOUSLY TO THE BREAST OF A HEEL ATTACHED TO THE SHOE BOTTOM, SAID MACHINE HAVING A FRAME AND A PAD BOX, A BASE FOR THE PAD BOX, A SOLE PAD IN THE BOX FOR RECEIVING THE SHOE BOTTOM, SHOE-ENGAGING AND HOLDING DEVICES MOUNTED OPPOSITE THE PAD, AND MAIN PRESSURE APPLYING MEANS TO WHICH THE PAD BOX BASE IS ATTACHED MOUNTED FOR MOVEMENT TOWARD AND FROM THE HOLDING DEVICES, IN COMBINATION WITH A SHANK PAD ELEMENT ADJACENT TO THE SOLE PAD IN THE BASE AND PIVOTED IN THE BASE ABOUT AN AXIS EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY TO A SHOE ON THE PAD AND THROUGH THE SHANK ELEMENT BETWEEN THE SHANK AND HEEL OF THE SHOE TO TRANSMIT PRESSURE UNIFORMLY THROUGHOUT THE 